Wednesday, February 1, 2012

my pet Cheetah... Chiquita

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker (June 3 1906 - April 12 1975 was an American born French dancer, singer and actress. Nicknamed the "Bronze Venus", the "Black Pearl" and even the "Creole Goddess".
Baker dropped out of school at the age of 12 and lived as a street child in the slums of St Louis. Her street-corner dancing attracted attention and she was recruited for the St Louis chorus vaudeville at 15.

She then headed to New York City during the Harlem Renaissance performing at the Plantation Club and in the chorus of the popular Broadway revues Shuffle Along (1921) with Adelaide Hall and The Chocolate Dandies (1924).

On October 2nd 1925 she opened in Paris at the Theatre des Champs Elysees where she became an instant success for her erotic dancing and appearing practically nude on stage. After her successful tour of Europe she reneged on her contract and returned to France to star at the Folies Bergeres, setting the standard for her future acts. She performed the Danse Sauvage, wearing a costume consisting of a skirt made of a string of artificial bananas.
Josephine Baker's success coincided with the Exposition de Arts Decoratifs in 1925 which gave birth to the term "Art Deco" and also a renewal of interest in ethnic forms of art including African.

In later shows in Paris Baker was often accompanied on stage by her per Cheetah, Chiquita, who was adorned with a diamond collar. The Cheetah frequently escaped into the orchestra pit where it terrorized the musicians - adding another element of excitement to the show!



Here are some amazing images of the lovely Josephine Baker...